WHEN HISTORY AND LUXURY MEET
special talking point that brought a smile to my face.
The rooms at Mandela Rhodes are apartment suites. The apartment has all the conveniences you’d expect, and a bit more.
Bright and modern with comfort top of mind, it was an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge space which is all you need in an apartment suite. The small touches like the slippers and bathrobes remind guests that they are serviced apartments with all the conveniences of modern hotels.
The view from the balcony atop of Wale Street is picture perfect, with the historic St George’s Cathedral at the fore and Table Mountain looming large in the background. There are unobstructed views of the mountain, and to your right, you can see all the way up the road to the colourful homes dotted along the road in Bo-kaap. The balcony is also the best spot to soak up the vibe in Cape Town, and to people watch as you have a bird’s eye view of the comings and goings of one of the city’s main vehicle and pedestrian arteries.
There are four main eateries at Mandela Rhodes which would satisfy any appetite. For dinner, I opted for a table at Favor 8, which serves global cuisine. The menu has a variety of dishes to choose from, including a snapshot of the best of what SA has to offer. The curries, and even the butter chicken, is a must have and authentically Indian. The bar serves cocktails, the familiar and the fanciful, including a Rooibos Cocktail, which is definitely worth a sip.
For breakfast, guests are served at Doppio Zero which is on the ground floor. You have limited but sufficient choice, and there is the option to order from the eateries menu and charge it to your room. Doppio Zero is also the bistro to pop into if you’re looking to get a pizza or a pasta for dinner, and take it to your room. The food is flavourful and very tasty, just what you need after a day of sightseeing in the city.
There are two coffee shops as well in the foyer/ground floor, namely Motherland Coffee Company and Blu Bean.
If you’re looking for the perfect cup before you pound the streets in the city, then Motherland will not disappoint.
They have grab and go treats, including muffins, sandwiches and light meals.
Blu Bean is a bright and airy café, they serve coffee, breakfasts and light meals. They have reasonably priced meals, perfect for couples and families travelling together.
Mandela Rhodes Place will not disappoint you as either a place of historical significance or just a comfy place to lay your head at night. It’s well worth a visit.